On The Horizon - April 11, 2024
- Downtown Duncan
- Mar 9, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: Jul 26, 2024
In this issue:
DDBIA Business Awards Nomination Process OPEN
As you know, the DDBIA proudly boasts retailers, professional service businesses, and not-for-profit organizations among its members. Annually, in a bid to honour and celebrate our vibrant business community, we present two peer-voted awards at our annual general meeting (May 13th at 7:00 pm, Duncan United Church). These awards span two distinct categories: "Excellence and Innovation" and "Best New Business." Our aim is to shine a spotlight on members who have demonstrated excellence, innovation, talent, and exemplary service.
To vie for an award, business owners undergo a straightforward self-nomination process and must meet specific criteria. The nomination window closes on April 21st, so seize the opportunity and submit your nomination promptly! Award recipients are selected via a peer-voting system that is exclusive to DDBIA members. If you're not part of the DDBIA, you won't have a say in the voting process. However, if you believe a deserving business owner should be recognized, we urge you to encourage them to put themselves forward for consideration.
We eagerly anticipate unveiling our nominees as they step into the ring. Follow us on social media for updates and further details about the 2024 nominees and voting (begins April 23rd). Mark your calendars for our Annual General Meeting on May 13th, commencing at 7 pm at the Duncan United Church. It's bound to be an evening filled with excitement and celebration as we honour the outstanding achievements within our business community. Does your business check off the boxes to meet the nomination criteria? Read below and submit today!
Excellence and Innovation award eligibility criteria: You are an active business or organization and have been operating in the downtown Duncan Business Improvement Area since May 1, 2022.
Best new business award eligibility criteria: You are an active business or organization and have been operating in the downtown Duncan Business Improvement Area sometime after May 1, 2022.
Ready to self-nominate?
It’s AGM time again – celebrating our wins and recognizing our Business Award Winners
Please join us for the DDBIA's Annual General Meeting on Monday, May 13 at 7:00 pm at the Duncan United Church. We're excited to show our members all that we accomplished in 2023. The AGM is a great opportunity to chat with the DDBIA Board and Staff, and catch up with others in the downtown business community. What else is in store? Snacks, refreshments and prizes of course! Thinking about joining the Board? There are up to 4 positions available, and nominations are encouraged from the floor that evening. And stay for the prestigious Business Awards and celebrate our winning businesses!
Welcome Katherine Dorma!
Katherine takes on the role of Social Media Specialist and is an accomplished social media content creator. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience that will benefit our downtown community. She looks forward to meeting all of you soon! Give her a wave, welcome and a smile when you see her out and about!
MMIGW event
This powerful installation (the hanging of red dresses in public spaces) holds profound historical and cultural significance in both Canadian and Indigenous contexts. It serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing crisis of murdered and missing Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S+). This day, marked by the display of red dresses in public spaces, is a solemn acknowledgment of the lives lost and the systemic issues that perpetuate these tragedies. For our community, recognizing the significance of hanging red dresses in public spaces is not only an act of remembrance but also a commitment to reconciliation. By participating in events and initiatives that honor MMIWG2S+ and raise awareness about the underlying issues, we can contribute to fostering a more inclusive and just society. This includes supporting Indigenous-led initiatives, advocating for policy changes, and engaging in dialogue to address the root causes of violence against Indigenous women and girls. May 5 is a powerful opportunity for our community to stand in solidarity, amplify Indigenous voices, and work towards healing and justice.
International Visitors hit downtown Duncan May 7
On May 7th, a contingent of 150 visitors, will be arriving in downtown Duncan from the International Seaweed Symposium to engage in a tour of the Cowichan Valley Museum and Archives and a Walking Tour of the Totems. They arrive in downtown Duncan around 11:00 am – so keep an eye out to welcome these prestigious International visitors to our downtown. And of course – think Seaweed!
Securing small business rebate webinar
Recognizing the increased costs to businesses due to property crime and vandalism in rural and urban communities across the province, the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation launched its $10.5 million Securing Small Business Rebate Program, that provides small businesses with funds for eligible commercial property crime and vandalism repairs, or to implement eligible preventative measures.
On May 7, at 11:00 am, attend a 1 hour webinar to learn more about the program, and most importantly – how to apply for a rebate! This webinar is designed to help small business owners prepare and submit a rebate application.
To learn more about webinar and the program as a whole, visit REBATE
All About Earth Day
Celebrate the upcoming April 20th Downtown Duncan Earth Day event at Charles Hoey Memorial Park, where excitement is building! A huge thank you to our amazing partners, Goldstone Boutique, Wishes, and PlentiFILL Refillery and Sustainable Living Store, for their invaluable support. The event promises an array of family-friendly activities crafted to entice visitors to the heart of downtown Duncan. Here's a glimpse of what to expect:
The Goldstone Clothing Swap Tent – bring 3 and take 3 for FREE
Following the success of last year's Clothing Swap Tent, it's making a return, sponsored by Goldstone Boutique! The Clothing swap tent promises a fun exchange of fashion finds so be sure to dig through your closets to find three pieces of gently worn women’s clothing to trade at the Goldstone Clothing Swap Tent! No stains, no rips, and everything clean!
The Earth Day Eco-Fair
Explore the Eco-Fair, brought to us by PlentiFILL, where vendors like Technology Solutions Goldstone Boutique, Wishes, VIRL, PlentiFILL, Searl Soap Company, Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society, Cowichan Valley Naturalists Society, CVRD Transit Division, Cowichan Green Community, BC Green Party, Friends of Rails to Trails VI, Small Footprint Farm, Cowichan Independent Living and the Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre will showcase their eco-friendly services and products. This marketplace serves as a platform for promoting sustainable consumption habits and encouraging individuals to make greener choices everyday.
The Earth Day Busker's Stage
Adding to the vibrant atmosphere, the event will feature a Busker’s Stage, generously sponsored by Wishes and managed by Jim Scales. Local musicians and performers will provide live entertainment. Come down and check out the music of John Forrest, Janet Falkner, Amanda Pattison, Lennon, Chance and Kaytee Booger.
Member Social
Join us on April 25 at Cowichan Independent Living , 531 Canada Ave! Starting at 5pm there will refreshments, networking opportunities and activities! Rumour has it we will be test driving programming for Duncan Days (it’s a sneak peek) AND you get to feel like a kid again!
Future Events
· Applications for Duncan Days Vendors opens April 15
· Earth Day – April 20
· DDBIA Business Awards – voting begins April 23.
· Member Social hosted by Cowichan Independent Living – April 25
· DDBIA AGM and Business Awards Celebration – May 13
· Duncan Days – July 12, 13 and 14
· Member Social – July 25 location TBD
· Member Social – November 7 location TDB
· Christmas Kick-Off – November 22nd
· Christmas Contest Window Themes (two BIG PRIZES this year): The Christmas Sweater OR West Coast Christmas.
Transform Your Storefront with the Facade Improvement Grant!
(you must receive approval BEFORE you start your improvements)!
Are you looking to enhance the visual appeal of your business and make a lasting impression on customers? We are thrilled to offer you the opportunity to do just that through our Facade Improvement Grant!
How It Works
Make your plan and gather your documents: Submit your application to the DDBIA.
Approval Process: Ensure your application is complete and approved by the Development Committee.
Transform Your Business: With the grant secured, proceed with your exterior enhancements.
Submit receipts at the end of your project: Receive 50% of your spend up to $5,000 (before taxes).
Important Reminder: To qualify for the Facade Improvement Grant, your application must be complete and approved before any work begins. Don't miss out on this chance to invest in the visual appeal of your business and attract more customers! Questions or need assistance? Contact the DDBIA at ddbia@downtownduncan.ca. Email us and request the application or find it here on our website.
Grab Your Spot on the Digital Billboards for April / May!
Are you searching for opportunities to boost your visibility?
Digital Billboard Offer: For a dynamic and impactful presence, take advantage of our digital billboard located on Highway 1. Enjoy a two-week cycle of exclusive advertising for only $150. This limited-time offer ensures your message reaches a wide audience in a high-traffic area. Act fast to seize this incredible deal. For reservations and inquiries, contact us at ddbia@downtownduncan.ca.
Duncan Days 2024 NEEDS YOU!
Remember when you shared your love for Duncan Days back in February? Your enthusiasm for street closures and vibrant activities, especially for our young ones, was truly inspiring. We recognize the immense value Duncan Days brings to our downtown. That's why we're gearing up to make this year's Duncan Days an unforgettable experience. On March 21st, 16 downtown members (THANK YOU) met to brainstorm new kids’ street activities. Several attendees have already committed to taking ownership of a Saturday street activity. We need MORE help in sharing the load of planning, organizing, funding, and finding volunteers.
Please reach out to the ddbia@downtownduncan.ca or call us 250.715.1700 to share your ideas, to give us a hand and take on a kids’ activity on Saturday, July 13th. Stay tuned for emails directly to your inbox about the progress we are all making to make this year’s Duncan Days a spectacular success.
Comments